High winds and lingering blizzard conditions on roadways in the Eastern Plains, winter conditions continue on the I-70 mountain corridor

Statewide — Blizzard conditions continue over the Eastern Plains today and will linger through tonight. The National Weather Service has a high wind warning for the Eastern Plains south of Cheyenne Ridge and south of the Palmer Divide until midnight with gusts of up to 65 miles-per-hour with adverse conditions through Wednesday morning.

During a high wind warning, motorists should avoid traveling since these winds can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles like semi-trucks and light-weighing and smaller vehicles. Other vehicles that can be negatively impacted by high winds include some pick-up trucks, SUVs, RVs, vans and buses. Also, if you’re towing or hauling a trailer, those can be blown around a roadway as well.

Traveling in the mountains this week

Motorists can expect light snow in the mountains through today with heaviest impacts along and north of I-70 from Vail Pass and eastward. Strong winds continue along east of the Continental Divide, causing blowing snow and reduced visibility at higher elevations.

Ski traffic can be heavy at times on the I-70 mountain corridor particularly from Golden to Silverthorne during the mornings headed westbound and the evenings traveling eastbound.

What motorists need to know when traveling today and through the week:

• Make sure you are equipped for the drive in winter weather. Tires with at least 3/16” of an inch of tread are essential, a well maintained vehicle and an emergency kit with extra clothing, water, food and other essentials are critical to mountain driving in the winter.
• Once you are out on the road, take it slow, no sudden stops and leave plenty of following distance.
• Give plows space! Stay back three to four car lengths from snowplows.
• Should the weather get severe, there is the possibility of road closures.
• Check the weather and road conditions by going to COtrip.org before heading out.
• For chain and traction law information, go to Passenger Vehicle Traction & Chain Laws — Colorado Department of Transportation (codot.gov)

Colorado Department of Transportation crews continue to be out clearing roads.

Bustang Services

For skiers and snowboarders who prefer another option to travel to the slopes, CDOT is running its Snowstang bus service on weekends and Monday holidays (except Christmas and New Year’s Day), with roundtrip express service to Arapahoe Basin, Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Loveland Ski Area and Steamboat Springs. For more information, please visit RideSnowstang.com.